No matter how big or small your business is you can still face ransom attacks. With the recent news of the NHS experiencing a number of ransom attacks, it’s always a reminder to brush up on how to prevent ransom attacks which can cause real headaches to your organisation.
As a result, we’ve compiled some helpful tips on how to avoid these attacks:
12 Steps To Avoid Ransom Attacks:
1. Strengthen Your Cybersecurity Infrastructure
- Deploy Endpoint Protection: Use advanced antivirus and anti-malware solutions that include ransomware detection.
- Enable Firewalls: Set up robust firewalls to monitor and block suspicious traffic.
- Regular Patching: Keep software, operating systems, and applications updated to close vulnerabilities.
2. Educate Your Team
- Phishing Awareness Training: Train employees to recognize phishing emails and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unverified attachments.
- Simulated Attacks: Conduct mock phishing exercises to test employee vigilance.
- Clear Policies: Establish protocols for reporting suspicious activity.
3. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Add an extra layer of security by requiring two or more forms of verification to access systems, such as:
- Passwords
- Biometric scans
- Temporary verification codes
4. Regularly Backup Critical Data
- Automated Backups: Ensure backups are conducted frequently and automatically.
- Offline Storage: Store backups offline to prevent ransomware from encrypting them.
- Test Backup Recovery: Regularly test your ability to restore data from backups.
5. Least Privilege Principle (Access Control)
- Restrict User Permissions: Limit access to sensitive systems and data only to those who need it.
- Use Role-Based Access Controls (RBAC): Implement RBAC to assign permissions based on job roles.
- Monitor Privileged Accounts: Regularly audit and monitor accounts with elevated access.
6. Network Segmentation
- Divide your network into separate segments to limit the spread of ransomware.
- Ensure critical systems are isolated from public-facing components.
7. Advanced Monitoring and Threat Detection
- SIEM Tools: Use Security Information and Event Management systems to detect unusual activity.
- Behavioral Analytics: Employ tools that identify anomalous behavior indicative of ransomware.
- 24/7 Monitoring: Set up around-the-clock monitoring for early detection.
8. Cyber Hygiene Practices
- Secure Passwords: Encourage the use of long, complex, and unique passwords.
- Email Security: Enable email filtering to block malicious emails.
- Disable Macros: Turn off macros in Office files unless explicitly needed.
9. Incident Response Plan
- Create a Ransomware Playbook: Outline steps to take during an attack, including communication protocols and recovery procedures.
- Assign Roles: Ensure everyone knows their responsibilities during a cyber incident.
- Engage Cyber Experts: Have cybersecurity professionals on standby for assistance.
10. Insurance and Partnerships
- Cyber Insurance: Invest in cyber insurance to cover potential damages.
- Partner with Security Vendors: Collaborate with cybersecurity specialists for ongoing assessments and updates.
11. Test Your Defenses
- Penetration Testing: Conduct regular penetration tests to identify weaknesses.
- Simulate Ransomware Attacks: Assess your system’s ability to withstand an attack and recover from it.
12. Stay Informed
- Keep up with the latest ransomware trends and tactics used by attackers.
- Subscribe to cybersecurity newsfeeds and alerts.
- Keep Updated with Auxilium’s Blog
By adopting these practices, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to ransomware attacks and ensure faster recovery if an attack occurs. Are you looking to increase your cyber security? Get in touch with our friendly experts.
